Jane Craig set off on a 400 kilometre bicycle ride on Sunday morning in honour of her mother and her friend Michelle Cockbain's, final wish to raise funds for Love Your Sister.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mrs Craig was joined by her father Jon Wilkinson, with the duo to ride by her side over the course of the six-day trip from Dubbo to Morpeth.
"We're riding from Dubbo because she (Michelle) was born in Dubbo and we're riding to Morpeth because that's where she, her four children and her husband Andrew were before she passed away," Mrs Craig said.
"The day we arrive at Morpeth would have been Michelle's 50th birthday."
"She would be chuffed with the news, she was a selfless person and she hadn't been doing this for herself, right to the end she was thinking about raising money for something bigger than her.
"Michelle passed away in September of last year due to breast cancer"
The ride is also in honor of Mrs Craig's mum and Mr Wilkinson's wife who also passed away, and who had also suffered from breast cancer twice in her life.
"I lost my mother, and dad lost his wife, in May of last year and while she didn't die of cancer she had had cancer twice in her life, so it's also a personal reason as to why we're doing it as well."
Mrs Craig said it is amazing to be on this journey alongside her father.
"It's really special for me to be doing it with dad and to have that goal," she said.
"Love Your sister is a national foundation to raise money for cancer research and was set up by actor Samuel Johnson whose sister had cancer," Mrs Craig said.
"Michelle wanted to raise funds for that before she passed. Her goal was to raise $100,000 and her committee that she had set up had organised a ball for May of this year, but because of COVID-19 it was cancelled.
"All of the people who had purchased tickets and all of the businesses still donated the money and she got to the $100,000 goal, but she passed away before that happened.
"Dad and I decided we would continue that fundraiser."
"It's for Mum, it's for every family that's been touched by cancer, it's for Sophie and Lauren and Erin and Angus - to know their incredible mum [Michelle] touched so many people like us, it's for the love of her life, Andrew," she said.
"But most of all, it's for Michelle because she is still helping people ... and she is helping Dad and I find our way."
"We need to keep raising money for cancer and raising awareness around how insidious it is and keep pushing towards finding a cure."
Mr Wilkinson said he's delighted to be riding for a cause, and especially one like Love Your Sister.
"We're having a bit of fun as well, can't wait to beat my daughter to the finish line," he joked.
The duo will arrive in Morpeth on Friday, August 28. People can donate to the campaign at facebook.com/donate/702152400567086/.
Do you have something to say? We welcome your letters which may run in print and online.
Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
